Note to self:
If you’re having a hard time coming up with an idea, or writing a post, or making something you feel you should, just stop and focus on something you actually want to do. Take care of the business that needs taking care of, and then maybe you’ll feel free to create.

There were moments this week when I could have spent time writing or dancing or doing something “creative,” but the truth was that I’d rather finish my taxes. Wash dishes. Make a green juice. Do yoga in the living room. Cry for a bit.

And so I did.

Now I know there might be people out there who will call these actions procrastination or avoidance. I even questioned it myself. But when I really checked in with what was up, it became clear that I just wasn’t in a productive mode. Or rather, I needed to be productive in a different way - in the Mr. Clean kinda way that mops up the junk in my brain and my body that’s preventing me from creating in the first place.

Know what I mean?

So this week, I encourage you to stop before you push too hard, and consider cutting yourself some slack. Think about what parts of you might need some pre-spring cleaning. What places in your schedule you can be a little more lenient and prioritize taking of yourself. I promise you, you’ll feel so much better and freer afterwards.

Try this:

Next time you’re feeling conflicted about when to push yourself to create and when to cut yourself some slack, ask yourself these questions:

In what ways am I feeling mentally stuck? (i.e. lacking concentration, obsessing over a conversation that you wished didn’t happen, worrying about how you’re going to pay the bills this month, etc.)

How soon do I need to finish whatever it is I’m pushing myself to do? How long can I postpone it?

Then do this:

Put whatever it is you want to create on your calendar at a later date.

Take a deep breath.

Pick the stuck places that feel the worst and address them. If your body is stiff, spend time moving and stretching. If you’re worried about bills, put your focus on organizing your finances or lining up more income. If you’re obsessing about a past conversation, call them up and clear the air.

Repeat after me: “I can’t force myself to be creative, but I can take care of myself and free up my blocks so that creativity can step in.”

How does that sound? Report in here and let me know how it goes for you!